The former members of Aussie rockers Midnight Oil have shot down speculation that they were planning to reunite now that frontman Peter Garrett has announced his retirement from politics.

Garrett had been a minister in the current Australian government, most recently as Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth. Garrett resigned and moved to the backbench a few weeks ago after a leadership spill in the Australian Labor Party, and announced he would not contest his seat at the next federal election.

This led to speculation - okay, more like wishful thinking - that Garrett would return to his old gig.

But the band's longtime manager Gary Morris has announced he's ending his current arrangement with the band as a sign that there are no stirrings of activity within the midnight oil camp. "Midnight Oil’s legacy is undeniable, we have achieved great things together, there is much to be proud of in the band’s list of achievements, we are brothers in arms and I will always be there for them," Morris said. "However, in light of recent speculation as to whether the band will reconvene now that Peter is quitting the political arena, now is the time to make my own position clear as to my future involvement with Midnight Oil."

Drummer Rob Hirst added, "This news comes with mixed emotions: quiet reflection, warm affection and misty nostalgia for our shared history, alongside a real sense of achievement and well-deserved pride." And Peter Garrett said, "We truly did accomplish amazing and enduring things working together and we should treasure that, now and in the future."